A Self-Select PIN is a five-digit number you choose when you e-file your tax return. It acts as your electronic signature, confirming that you’re authorizing the return to be filed. If you remember it, filing next year can be faster and easier.
You create this PIN yourself during the e-file process. It’s not issued by the IRS.
If you don’t have it, that’s okay—you can still file using your prior-year AGI.
What’s a Self-Select PIN used for?
The Self-Select PIN helps the IRS verify your identity when you e-file Form 1040 or Form 4868 (an extension).
When you file, the IRS needs to authenticate you. You can do that by using either:
Your prior-year adjusted gross income (AGI), or
Your Self-Select PIN from last year’s return
Using a Self-Select PIN can be easier if you don’t have your prior-year AGI handy.
How is a Self-Select PIN different from an IP PIN?
A Self-Select PIN is a filing convenience you choose to sign your return electronically. An IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number issued by the IRS to help protect you from tax-related identity theft.
If the IRS issued you an IP PIN, you must use it when you file.
Learn more in What’s an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)?
Who can use a Self-Select PIN?
Most taxpayers can use the Self-Select PIN method when e-filing with tax software.
To use it, you’ll typically need to provide:
Your date of birth, and
Either your prior-year AGI or prior-year Self-Select PIN
Your tax software will guide you through this step.
Important things to know
A Self-Select PIN is five digits (it can’t be all zeros)
You choose it yourself when you e-file
It’s used only as an e-file signature
Tip: Keep your Self-Select PIN in a safe place. You can use it again next year instead of tracking down your prior-year AGI.